Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2016 BTLS Foundation Raffle!

Thanks to everyone who came out in show of support of Duputy Sheriff John Robert Kotfila, Jr.

Deputy Sheriff

John Robert Kotfila, Jr. Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Florida

End of Watch: Saturday, March 12, 2016

Deputy Sheriff John Kotfila was killed in a head-on collision with a vehicle that was driving the wrong direction on the Selmon Expressway, at the Brandon Express exit near I-75, at approximately 3:00 am.

He was returning to the station after investigating an unrelated traffic accident when a drunk driver entered the expressway heading west in the eastbound lanes, causing a head-on collision. The drunk driver died at the scene. Deputy Kotfila was transported to Tampa General Hospital where he later died.

Deputy Kotfila had served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for six years. He is survived by his parents, sister, and two brothers. His father, one brother, and both of his grandfathers served in law enforcement in Massachusetts.

The Bubba Love Sponge Foundation and a national bicycle organization, in cooperation with KRZQ 104.1 FM Reno and law enforcement across the region presented the Carl Howell family two checks Tuesday as part of the Bikes for Badges motorcycle run held in October.

The motorcycle event from Carson City to Reno, which had more than 250 riders, raised $7,400 for the family of Deputy Howell, who died in the line of duty Aug. 15, 2015. On top of the BTLS Foundation donation, the Tour De Bike Association made a $7,500 contribution.

“The support from across the country has been phenomenal. Thank you for every bit of it,” said Kevin Howell, father of Carl Howell.

Presenting the checks to the fund established by the Carson City Sheriff's Deputy's Association were KRZQ program director Willobee Carlan and KRZQ, Shamrock Communications General Manager Kara Brown. Among the area law enforcement agencies and organizations that made the event possible were the Carson City Sheriff's Deputy's Association, Reno Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol.

Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong said support for Howell family continues to pour in from law enforcement agencies across the country.

“I hope it never stops,” said Furlong. He noted that the I-580 freeway dedication to Howell will happen sometime in early December, will take place at the law enforcement memorial at the Nevada state capital and will be attended by Gov. Brian Sandoval.

Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen said his agency as well as Reno and Sparks agencies jumped at the opportunity to assist with the Bikes for Badges event.

"It's been a difficult year for the Carson City Sheriff's Office and that's why we couldn't say 'yes' quick enough," said Allen.

“On behalf of the sheriff's deputy association and the Carl Howell family we are forever grateful not only for our community's support but from surrounding communities and support from across the nation," said Deputy Don Gibson, president of the deputy's sheriff's association.

KRZQ’s Carlan said the event went beyond what was imagined with riders and supporters from across the state.

“Several communities came together for such an amazing person. We were overwhelmed and have never seen anything run so smoothly,” said Carlan, who added The Bubba Love Sponge Foundation, which organizes events across the country for fallen law officers, may have “a crazy name but has a big heart.”

Carlan thanked other sponsors of the event including Chester’s Harley Davidson Reno, Famous Dave’s Barbecue and Miller’s Jackets among others.

Police Officer Jared Forsyth was accidentally shot and killed while participating in firearms training at the Lowell Correctional Institution's firing range on NW Gainesville Road at approximately 3:00 pm.

A firearm was accidentally discharged during the training and the round struck Officer Forsyth in the side of his chest, between the panels of his vest. He was transported to Ocala Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to the wound approximately two hours later.

Officer Forsyth had served with the Ocala Police Department for three years.

Shawn Kloter of Ruskin wins BTLS Foundation raffle at Elder Ford!

(BTLS Staff) RUSKIN – Shawn Kloter of Ruskin is a happy man these days! On Saturday the Bay area resident’s name was drawn from over 6,000 entries in the annual Bubba the Love Sponge Foundation’s annual vehicle raffle. The event was held at Elder Ford in Tampa.

“It’s amazing, I’ve never won anything this before,” Shawn explained during Monday’s BTLS broadcast. “I went and did a test drive with the Mustang – it was incredible, I was totally in love with that car – and I filled out all the paperwork. This couldn’t have come at a better time for me.”

Two months ago the engine in his Chevrolet Blazer blew up so Kloter has been toiling around in a used car he got on the cheap from a family member.

In the end Kloter decided to take the prize money.

“I spent a couple days thinking about it, but unfortunately I decided with the taxes and insurance, financially it wasn’t going to work,” he said. “It kills me not to take [the Mustang]. There’s no way I thought I would, this is insane.”

Kloter purchased eight chances for $40, not a bad investment. All proceeds from the raffle goes to the BTLS Foundation.

Thank you for visiting The Bubba the Love Sponge® Foundation web site. We invite you to visit BTLS Foundation Website for our upcoming events. You may also make a donation here.

The Bubba the Love Sponge® Foundation was established as a 501(3)(C) Florida charity in late 2008 by syndicated and radio host Bubba the Love Sponge® Clem as a community awareness and donations vehicle that supports worthy causes and victims.

Bubba's Bikes for Badges 2014 - YouTube Video by Kay G

Ocala, Florida - Bikers by the hundreds join in benefit for I-75 victims

By Austin L. MillerOcala Star Banner Staff writer

(www.ocala.com) ZUBER — Hundreds of bikers turned out Saturday for Bikes for Badges, a charity motorcycle event held at Bubba Raceway Park, with proceeds from the showcase going to the families of three people killed on the side of Interstate 75 several months ago.

Escorted by Marion County sheriff's deputies and Ocala Police Department officers on motorcycles from the raceway park at 9050 NW Gainesville Road in Zuber around mid-morning, bikers rode through various Marion County communities for one hour, before returning to the point of origination. read more at ocala.com

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.